The first interview with Gaba went quite well, though I know I gaffed once and I was a little worried about it for a while. She had asked me "Why choose Gaba (1-on-1 lessons) as opposed to a more traditional classroom setting as your career?" and I responded that since I was not formally trained as a teacher, I felt I would be more at ease in private lessons (way to point out your faults, Sarah!). She sent me an email nonetheless with an "interview task" which is basically a written assessment of my teaching and English skills.
I was then invited to a 2nd interview, which will be tonight. It is expected to last 40 minutes to an hour. My 1st interview was expected to last 20-30 minutes and it lasted 40 minutes...so I am not sure what to expect tonight.
Tonight is more of a formal assessment, and I'm terrified of what they will ask me to "put me on the spot". I have determined to rest well, eat well, and breath deeply all day...so all I can hope for tonight is that I am pleasant and have my wits about me.
Wish me luck!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog searching for Gaba phone/skype interview tips.
How did it go???
If you have the time, I'd love to hear the kinds of things they asked in your second interview. I know that when you interview in person, they'll ask you to prepare and give a quick lesson. Did you have to do something like that?
Any help would be amazing.
Mark-
Hello Mark!
ReplyDeleteI apologize for not seeing this earlier.
The second interview went really well. As you can see from my newest post, I didn't get the job - but I hope that if you are going through the process yours goes better!
If you haven't had the interview yet, I'll just clue you in now:
After the first interview they have you fill out a worksheet called the "Interview Task". It is basically an assessment of your English skills and teaching skills.
In the interview they use the interview task to have you give "sample lessons" (yes, over skype). My interviewer pretended to be a student from one of the tasks, and then asked me to teach that student a lesson from another task.
He also asked me to teach that same student the word "famous".
I believe they wanted to see how I would shape a lesson after a student's specific needs - because my "student" was an IT professional who loved current events. So make sure (if they have you do sample lessons) that you take into account what the student does/is interested in when you do the lesson.
Overall I know they were impressed with me. I think my only draw back on a personal level was that I'm a bit "Chatty". What I truly think hurt my application was how strict I am with my placement. They weren't even offering positions in Kyoto (or there were very few positions and I simply wasn't as good as other applicants they had).
I would love to hear how your job search goes! I hope I saw this in time to help you!! If I didn't, I am sorry...I should probably turn on email notifications for when I get comments :).
I'm really sorry to hear that they didn't hire you, but if they don't have jobs where you want to work, I guess there's nothing you can do about that, huh? It's seems like most of Gaba's jobs are in Tokyo, and I imagine landing a job in Kyoto is pretty competitive. Anyway, I'm sure you'll find a better position at a better school. Besides visa sponsorship, Gaba doesn't seem to have much going for themselves.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your advice! I have my first phone interview tonight, but thought I would prepare for what's to come in the second.
I'm really not too worried if I don't get the job. I might even be relieved since I've heard so many negative things about working for Gaba.... but visa sponsorship would be amazing...
Good luck in your first interview, and the second if you get it!
ReplyDeleteThe first one is super easy, will you be interviewing over skype/telephone? And I'm guessing you're from the States and needing a full working visa sponsorship?
Tonight they'll just be getting to know your reasons for wanting to teach, reasons for going to Japan, and a little bit about your history.
I wish you the best of luck in Japan, regardless of where you get work!! I'll be continually updating my blog during my job search and beyond, so I hope it can help :)